tow_teo Posted November 9, 2004 Share Posted November 9, 2004 I'm new to this forum and to the world of Leica. I'm currently in the process of acquiring my very first M system, and the web site by Andrew Nemeth has been a good starting point for me. I have heard mixed opinions regarding ebay for equipment buying/selling. What about (reputable?)shops who post their used equipment on the ebay? Some I have come across include Precision-camera, kurland photo, etc. In particular any experience with the latter? I'm new to online shopping and ebay, so I greatly appreciate your kind advice. Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ronald_moravec1 Posted November 9, 2004 Share Posted November 9, 2004 I think Kurland is a classy New York distributer with high prices. They are a three year old leica franchise-dealer. The store was destroyed just before opening by 9/11 attack. It is a real store. I have no reason to think they are dishonest. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john_shriver Posted November 9, 2004 Share Posted November 9, 2004 Definitely, stores with a good reputation try and uphold that reputation on eBay. You'll see it in the prices their items fetch. Stores with a wretched reputation (like the notorious Cambridge Camera Exchange of New York, who trade as Cambridge Camera, Cambridge Photographic, and Air Watches on eBay), maintain that same reputation on eBay, as evidenced by their horrible feedback. Dealing with solo players is more of a risk on eBay. What counts also is good return privileges. That can overcome a seller who doesn't have any photographic reputation, per-se. I got a Summitar for $66 from Auction Drop, because nobody trusts that sort of place for photo gear, but they (and their feedback) made it clear that they are 100% friendly about returns. Turns out it was gorgeous. The one extra problem with Leica M equipment is that it is so expensive, and is luxury goods, that the THEIVES also prey on people trying to buy them. If a Leica M items looks too good to be true on eBay, it IS too good to be true. Those are the "money in, nothing out" ripoffs. There are too many Leica shoppers on eBay for there to be super bargains -- eBay is a rather "efficient" marketplace in terms of setting prices. You need to start by following items and closing prices on eBay, and learning what the market price really is. Take notes. Then, be patient. None of the Leica gear that one would want to use is so rare that you need to win on the first auction you bid on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peter_n1664876959 Posted November 9, 2004 Share Posted November 9, 2004 Good advice, John. Also thanks for the info that Air Watches is Cambridge. One to stay clear of for sure. Tow I have bought from Kurland on eBay, returned the item within the specified time and received a refund with no questions asked. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul_neuthaler Posted November 9, 2004 Share Posted November 9, 2004 Shutterblade is another reliable company with good return privleges Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ben z Posted November 9, 2004 Share Posted November 9, 2004 Eli Kurland was formerly the manager at Wall St. Camera and has many years of experience with Leica equipment. He opened his shop after Wall St. Camera closed up a few years back. Eli's shop was totaled by the dust kicked up on 9/11, but he re-opened with an even better store. 100% trustable guy, if a bit pricey, but he mostly deals in the really minty stuff. Other good options for used Leica are Photovillage (Rich Pinto), Tamarkin, Jim Kuehl (no internet presence though), and KEH. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
richard_ilomaki Posted November 9, 2004 Share Posted November 9, 2004 Kurland is in the same building as the Leica Gallery on Broadway, in the old Tamarkin premises. They do indeed deal in top quality stuff and are knowledgeable straight shooters in my experience and opinion. I have bought some smaller items from them and would not hesitate in dealing with them in an auction situation. Cheers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gary_pinkerton1 Posted November 9, 2004 Share Posted November 9, 2004 Bought 2 cameras from Kurland Photo, no problems. Haven't had any return for repair experience with them but I suspect they would take care of it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michael s. Posted November 9, 2004 Share Posted November 9, 2004 Tow - Hope you've had a chance to look at <a href=http://www.photo.net/neighbor/opc.tcl?category_id=0>this page on photo.net</a>, which reflects members' positive and negative experiences with hundreds of individuals and camera shops (following the appropriate links). Some of the shops are of course owned by individuals, as noted above, so it may make sense to check in both places.<p><p> Good luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mike_levitt Posted November 9, 2004 Share Posted November 9, 2004 I would highly recommend keh.com and camerawest.com. Both are 100% great. I have had very mixed results buying on ebay - and the prices often tend to be higher than what you would pay at a dealer. Some great experiences, and some disappointing, but no disasters (yet)! Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stephane camus Posted November 9, 2004 Share Posted November 9, 2004 I bought my M6 there. Smooth transaction, great camera, fare price, fast shipping, nice people. I highly recommend it. Steph- Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jack_lo_..._t_o Posted November 9, 2004 Share Posted November 9, 2004 Michael S. Thanks for the link> I just posted my experience there of a couple months ago with "recordingofhtemonth", EBay alias for a Min Cho of Edgewater, N.J. Why I ceased buying on EBay. Tow: read feedback carefully: the seller always gets the last word, but you can often tell he's lying by his refusal to apologise, & making up a story. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rich_weiss Posted November 9, 2004 Share Posted November 9, 2004 Eli Kurland was an owner of now defunct Wall St Camera - I have dealt with him for at least 13 plus years, Nikon Leica Contax Canon. Very Reputable. I like his personal service. He actually had one of my old items on ebay recently. Feel free to email me with any questions on his reputation. I would prefer to buy almost all of my equipment thru him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tow_teo Posted November 10, 2004 Author Share Posted November 10, 2004 Thanks for taking the time to share some of your experiences. I'm sure each has their fair share of both good and not-so-good stories to tell. Nevertheless, we just have to be sensible and use our judgement and not get overly excited when we see a "good deal". Well, my hunt goes on. Thanks for reading. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
les_lammers Posted November 10, 2004 Share Posted November 10, 2004 http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=30030&item=3852091488&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW Have a look at the above. New seller, -0- feedback, item in Kansas, new in unopened box. Right. ebay just busted a kid in Wales who was doing something similar. I have bought from Popflash on *bay and they are top notch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michael_dimarzio Posted March 29, 2008 Share Posted March 29, 2008 A few years after this last post, I bought the last new G2 black kit in an aluminum case I'd seen for sale. I also wanted a 21 Biogon, they didn't have one, but found one for me a chrome one at a decent price. Nice people, as I look to splurge on a a Nikon, I definitly will consider them again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
instyle27 Posted December 19, 2008 Share Posted December 19, 2008 <p>Eli Kurland is a very honest and reliable person I've ever met. I've got Rolei 6008i w/ P20 back from him, Hasselblad & Leica items as well as Widelux 1500, all equipment in top shape, very reliable salesman and a great person to deal with. Highly recommended!</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
instyle27 Posted December 19, 2008 Share Posted December 19, 2008 <p>Eli Kurland is a very honest and reliable person I've ever met. I've got Rolei 6008i w/ P20 back from him, Hasselblad & Leica items as well as Widelux 1500, all equipment in top shape, very reliable salesman and a great person to deal with. Highly recommended!</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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